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CLASS 8 · SOCIAL STUDIES · CHAPTER 3

The Rise of the Marathas

Original model answers for all eight chapter questions on Maratha geography, leaders, forts, governance and historical legacy.

8 worked answersComplete chapter answers
Read the NCERT questions ↗← All chapters

8 worked answers · short steps first, explanations when you need them

Questions and activities

Textbook pages 63–64

Question 1

Analyse how geography, particularly mountains and coastlines, guided Maratha military strategy and state formation.

Steps only

Hills and passes aided mobile defence; forts controlled routes; naval bases and coastal forts supported sea power.

Answer

Maratha strategy used both Deccan terrain and the coastline.

Question 2

Choose Kanhoji Angre, Bajirao I, Mahadji Shinde, Ahilyabai Holkar or Tarabai. Write three or four paragraphs about what makes them inspirational, including a challenge they overcame.

Steps only

Introduce the leader, describe achievements, explain a challenge, and say why the example inspires you.

Answer

The biography is a model; another listed leader is equally acceptable.

Question 3

Choose a Maratha fort to visit or research. Find its history, architecture and strategic importance, then present a poster or digital presentation.

Steps only

Include the fort’s location and history, its design, its strategic role, a map or sketch, and source names.

Answer

Raigad is one example; adapt the project to your selected fort.

Question 4

The chapter states that the British took India from the Marathas more than from the Mughals or any other power. What does this mean, and what evidence supports it?

Steps only

Point to Maratha political reach and the three Anglo-Maratha wars, while noting that British expansion involved other powers too.

Answer

The Marathas were a major power the British had to defeat or subordinate.

Question 5

Compare how Shivaji and later Marathas treated religious places and people of different faiths. What evidence shows their approach to religious diversity?

Steps only

Compare specific examples about protecting religious places and treating people; note that later rulers and circumstances varied.

Answer

Use evidence from the chapter and avoid claiming every ruler acted the same way.

Question 6

Why were forts the core of the Maratha state? How did they help the Marathas survive against larger enemies?

Steps only

Forts protected supplies and people, controlled routes, and let forces regroup and resist.

Answer

A network of forts strengthened Maratha defence and state control.

Question 7

Design a coin that represents Maratha achievements and values. Explain the symbols you chose.

Steps only

Draw original symbols and explain how each represents an achievement or value.

Answer

Many designs are correct when their symbols are explained.

Question 8

What do you think was the Marathas’ most important contribution to Indian history? Write a paragraph supporting your view with examples, then discuss it with classmates.

Steps only

Choose one contribution and support it with examples such as forts, resistance, naval defence or cultural activity.

Answer

This is an opinion question; evidence and explanation matter.

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